Withholding Treatment
/ˌwɪðˈhoʊldɪŋ ˈtriːtmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) The deliberate decision by a healthcare provider or authorized party to not initiate or continue medical interventions or treatments that might prolong a patient's life.
The court examined whether the withholding treatment was consistent with the patient's advance directive.
Forms
- withholding treatment
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used primarily in medical law, distinguishing withholding from withdrawal of treatment is crucial for accurate legal and ethical analysis.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.